"When I was young I used to give them names. Over there is Ariel, and there Charles..." she points to two of the bushes, smiling like old times. Inwardly, she's not as content, because she knows she'll have to leave this park behind soon.

"Divorced. Political intrigue forced Charles to reveal that he was a supporter of Melia's faction - likely bribed, blackmailed, or both - and Ariel's parents threatened to disown her if she sided with someone in Melia's circle. Her inheritance from them was greater than Charles' income, so they divorced. It was a bitter affair."

"Ariel's parents fell into debt after they were swindled out of their biggest source of revenue by Serwyl, but one of Melia's old supporters gained a foot up on her and had her assassinated. Charles was one of the first to denounce her, in the hopes of winning back Ariel's love, but by that time Ariel had entered an extremely dangerous relationship with Sid in an attempt to get some of his money and not die impoverished like her parents. She hasn't so much as spoken to Charles since, but he knows that's just her way of asking him for help. Unfortunately, she got in too deep, and Charles can't help her escape Sid because if he did that, Sid would send his men to kidnap Charles' illegitimate son, Gilbert."

Not that Nalima doubted its accuracy. Her beauty was well known to her. In fact, it was practically all anyone ever mentioned about her, other than her technically lowborn status. She didn't fault Valentine for not understanding, but still.

To change the subject, she points at a cloud in the distance. "Do you think it looks like rain?"